Wind Noise and Drag of the Thule Sonic Alpine Rooftop Cargo Box, # TH633B
Updated 02/18/2013 | Published 02/13/2013
Question:
How much more aerodynamic and quiet is the new Sonic Alpine compared to the previous generation, say a Boxster? Will there be a noticable difference?
asked by: Jeff
Expert Reply:
The Thule Sonic Alpine Rooftop Cargo Box, # TH633B, is going to be as much as 10 percent less noisy and have 10 percent less drag than older style boxes. The new design of the Sonic is made with reduction in noise and wind drag in mind so it is going to be one of the best boxes if noise and drag are a concern. There should be a noticeable difference. I have included a link to a video review of this box for you.
For even more drag reduction check out the Thule Hyper box, # TH612. Drag is reduced by up to 35 percent over standard box styles. Keep in mind that with anything on the roof of the vehicle there is going to be some noise and drag. You will know either of these boxes is up there but it will not be as bad as previous generation of boxes.
With that said the old Boxster is still a very good box and was the top of the line for the previous generation of boxes. It had less noise and drag when compared to other boxes of the same generation. But the new design of the newest Thule boxes takes that noise and drag down even lower.
